First build, need advice

[BigE_AWOL]

This is my first build so I just wanted to start by saying hello and what a cool hobby/obsession /job this is becoming. So I need some advice. I'm planning a full size upright, featuring just a single player cp, without a trackball or spinner. I'll be running mame using Mala for the frontend.

So my first question is what encoder should I use? I understand that at a point it all comes down to personal preference. I'm leaning towards Keywiz over iPac due to the fact that I'll be buying other items from GGG. So with a simple setup for single player at a time classics like dk, pm, mspm, dig dug, galaga, ect I know that Keywiz & iPac will work, but maybe there is some other product I missed?

Second question is can someone point me to some examples of some basic or stripped down cp's? I just need to see some simple layouts to compare with what I have in my head.

Thanks.

[paigeoliver]

You really can't tell the difference between a keywhiz and an ipac at the basic user level because they are both that good. I have used them both many times and don't have a bad thing to say about either one of them.

If you want single player, no spinner or trackball then the go-to setup (left to right on a metal panel or routed for top mount wooden panel), is a 4-way Namco reunion stick with the base almost touching an 8-way stick (anything taller than a namco reunion, I like the 8-way microswitch balltops that bob roberts sells for $12) and then 3, 4 or 6 buttons to taste.

You can also use a switched 4-way to 8-way setup but I have tried a few and never been completely happy with them and guests invariably choose wrong.

I would really suggest going ahead and sticking a trackball to the right of the buttons. You won't be sorry you did it.

[BigE_AWOL]

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the recommendations for the joysticks, I'll have to check them out. I am also really looking into adding a trackball. I love some Centipede.